Football

Johnny Manziel says his return to the gridiron in the Fan Controlled Football league is NOT an attempt to catch the eye of the NFL ... the QB tells TMZ Sports that's just not the point of his comeback.

"There are no comeback implications with me and football moving forward from here," the former Heisman Trophy winner and ex-Cleveland Browns first-round pick said.

In fact, when we asked Manziel straight-up if he envisioned the FCF as a springboard to a rejuvenated NFL career ... the 28-year-old unequivocally said, "Not at all."

Manziel signed up for the FCF -- a 7-on-7, full-contact football league where fans control everything -- a few weeks ago, but he explained to us it's all strictly about having fun.

"To be honest, I got a lot of free time on my hands," Manziel said ... "I got onto the golf course life in Scottsdale but I got a lot of free time for six weeks to come and pretty much get to be a player, coach a little bit in this."

Manziel says his game isn't what it used to be back when he was dodging SEC defenders at Texas A&M ... but he did tell us he has some expectations to still ball out during the FCF season.

"You'll see little flashes of the old stuff," Manziel says. "I still have the ability to throw the football around to a somewhat high degree. Not like I had in the past, but I think there's still some flashes left in the tank."

Manziel -- who hasn't played professional football since the AAF in 2019 -- will kick off his season with the Zappers on Twitch at 6 PM PT on Saturday.

Cam Newton's NFL days are NOT numbered ... so says his former teammate Trai Turner, who tells TMZ Sports he believes the quarterback "has more left in the tank."

Newton is coming off his worst season as a pro -- throwing just eight touchdown passes to 10 interceptions -- and it's got some wondering, is retirement the next move for the former NFL MVP?

Turner -- who blocked for Cam from 2014 through 2019 in Carolina -- says hell no ... telling us people shouldn't rush to judge Newton's future based off his 1 year in New England.

"First year on a new team and it's just different man," Turner says. "Different people around you. Different city, new place and all that. But, I don't think that was the last showing that Cam would have wanted."

"Me just knowing him and knowing what he can do and just being able to see him play, I know that he has more left in in the tank to give."

Newton is slated to be a free agent this offseason ... and he's already promised to come back to the league next season a better player.

Chris Doyle's run as the Jacksonville Jaguars' director of sports performance is over before it ever really got started ... with the controversial coach resigning amid major backlash.

Jags head coach Urban Meyer made the move official late Friday night ... saying, "Chris Doyle came to us this evening to submit his resignation and we have accepted."

"Chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are building in Jacksonville."

So ... what was the distraction??

Doyle -- who served as Iowa's strength and conditioning coach from 1999-2020 -- was accused of making racial comments, bullying and other instances of misconduct towards players during his time with the Hawkeyes.

Doyle's time in Iowa City ended after multiple players came forward about his alleged antics last year ... resulting in a "separation agreement" of roughly $1.1 million in June.

The decision to hire a guy accused of that kind of misconduct was ill-received ... and the Fritz Pollard Alliance -- which works with the NFL on diversity -- released a scathing statement, calling the hire "unacceptable."

While Meyer initially claimed he and Jags ownership went through a serious vetting process before hiring Doyle, he is now admitting it wasn't a good look.

"We are responsible for all aspects of our program and, in retrospect, should have given greater consideration to how his appointment may have affected all involved."

Charles Barkley is gonna piss off his NBA family with this one -- the basketball legend says he believes Tom Brady has surpassed Michael Jordan as the greatest athlete of all time ... and he's got an interesting reason behind the take.

Chuck -- who's always defended MJ to be the undisputed G.O.A.T. -- spoke about TB12 winning his 7th Super Bowl title this past week ... and explained why he thinks His Airness has officially been dethroned.

"It's hard for me to put anybody above Michael, but Michael was always gonna be the best player 4 out of 7 games," Chuck told ESPN 1000's "Waddle and Silvy."

"But, the difference is every time Tom Brady played a football game, it was a Game 7. I never had thought about it like that. I mean, you think about that. Every football game in the playoffs is a Game 7."

Chuck continued ... "Like, if Michael, he's gon' win most series because he's gonna be the best player 4 outta 7 games. But, when you playing football, every single game in the playoffs is a Game 7."

Barkley says it's incredible how Brady has won 7 out of his 10 Super Bowl appearances ... saying Brady's 34 playoff wins can be compared to 34 Game 7s in the NBA playoffs.

As for Brady's most recent playoff run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chuck says he's shocked TB12 didn't hang up his cleats ... saying it would have been the perfect end to his career.

"I can't believe he's not retired, I'm not gon' lie. Because if you do what he just did, beat Drew Brees in New Orleans, beat Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau Field, and then beat Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, that would be the greatest 'drop the mic' ever in sports."

Behold, the future #1 overall pick ... of a shampoo company?!?!

That's right ... Trevor Lawrence flashed insane arm talent at his Clemson Pro Day on Friday that will no doubt make him the top selection in April's NFL draft -- but his showcase also had to have hair product companies swooning!!

The 6'6", 21-year-old QB -- who normally covers up his salad with a helmet every week -- showed off his famous arm AND 'do for about an hour in front of Urban Meyer and other NFL scouts ... and the locks were seriously glorious.

Lawrence would throw a rocket down the seam, and then he'd flip the hair. He'd drop a dime on a dig -- and yup, a hair toss would come next.

It happened after nearly every throw ... and at one point during a little water break, he even got in a full-on head whip!

Of course, shampoo and hair product companies are no strangers to partnering up with NFL stars ... Patrick Mahomes and Troy Polamalu have famously been in Head & Shoulders ads for years!

So, could Lawrence add on that kind of deal on his way to being picked by Meyer's Jacksonville Jaguars in the draft??

Just when you thought the dysfunction couldn't get any worse in Houston ...

J.J. Watt -- arguably the Texans' greatest player EVER -- has just been released by the team ... this after the 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year says he asked to be let go.

Watt made the shocking announcement Friday morning ... recording a video explaining the move.

"I have sat down with the McNair family and I have asked them for my release and we have mutually agreed to part ways at this time," Watt said.

Watt, who thanked Houston fans, teammates, coaches and ownership ... added, "I'm excited and looking forward to a new opportunity."

Watt was picked in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Texans, and he's absolutely shredded the league since.

Despite battling a myriad of injuries, Watt made 5 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams ... and recorded a staggering 101 sacks in 10 seasons.

Watt, though, has clearly grown tired of all the issues with the Texans.

The team has traded star player after star player ... and it now is in a massive beef with its MVP-caliber quarterback Deshaun Watson, who also has reportedly asked to be traded from the team this offseason.

It's unclear where Watt will land as a free agent now ... though joining up with his little brothers, T.J. Watt and Derek Watt, in Pittsburgh seems like a very possible outcome.

In fact, ESPN is reporting J.J. Watt has talked to his 2 brothers about joining them in Pittsburgh. The Steelers probably can't afford him, but it's been discussed among the Watt bros.

Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair also issued a statement ... saying, "J.J.'s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise's history."

"I told J.J. earlier this week that we will forever consider him a Texan."

Story developing ...

Buccaneers star OL Donovan Smith had ZERO issues with Tom Brady's boozy celebration in Tampa on Thursday ... telling TMZ Sports the QB earned every single second of it!

Brady had an absolute blast partying it up at his seventh Super Bowl title parade ... throwing the Lombardi Trophy off the back of his boat and appearing to be a little bit tipsy when he got back to land.

But, Smith says the dude deserved to party even HARDER than that if he wanted ... telling us the feat Tom accomplished by beating the Chiefs this past Sunday is just that special.

"If my man's had a couple drinks, he deserves it!" Smith says. "You feel me? We all deserve it! I wish I had one right now."

Smith says Brady cemented himself as the greatest of all-time with the SB LV win ... telling us the guy is definitely in the conversation for best athlete ever, not just NFL player.

"Seven rings -- more than any franchise has alone," Smith said of Brady. "So, he is his own franchise. He's great, man."

As for how Smith celebrated his first-ever championship ... the 27-year-old told us he's only slept a TOTAL of 10 hours since Sunday's game.

The good news, though? Smith tells us it's all been worth it and then some ... saying, "We're still living it up!"

It's GREAT to be a Super Bowl champ ... just ask Chris Godwin, who was sent a new phone less than a day after he fumbled his old one into the water in Tampa!!

You've heard the story by now ... Godwin was partying it up at the Bucs' Super Bowl parade on Wednesday, when somehow, his phone took a dip into the water and sank for good.

Godwin blamed teammate Scott Miller for the disaster ... saying his fellow wideout somehow was responsible for the phone's death.

Good news, though ... after Godwin reached out to Verizon to explain the issue, he says the phone company came through in the clutch in a matter of hours!!

Godwin and his GF posted pics of the 24-year-old with his new iPhone on Thursday ... with both saying they were super grateful for the speedy hook-up.

"Phone takes a dive into the river and 24 hours later, @verizon blesses me with a new one!" Godwin said. "I appreciate ya'll! S/O to the plug!"

Godwin's GF, meanwhile, said the delivery driver brought some sage advice along with the new phone ... writing on her caption, "The Fedex guy needed a signature & then said 'try not to drop this one into the water too.'"

Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Cameron Brate knew the stakes were high when Tom Brady drunkenly threw him the Lombardi Trophy ... saying his career woulda been OVER if he missed the catch!

"If I had dropped that? I think I would've had to retire," Brate told the Tampa Bay Times.

"That was amazing. He pointed it at me. We talked about it earlier. It was a great throw. I mean, what do you expect from Tom Brady? A great throw."

You've seen the insane video by now -- TB12 tossing the trophy from his boat to another boat during the Bucs' floating Super Bowl parade on the Hillsborough River.

As Tom got ready to make the toss, you could hear his daughter scream, "Nooooo!!!!!"

Fortunately, Brate made the catch -- and the clip has gone super viral.

Not every Bucs receiver was as sure-handed as Brate on Wednesday -- just ask Chris Godwin who said fellow WR Scotty Miller dropped his cell phone into the river during a parade blunder!

FYI, Godwin has reportedly made around $4.6 mil during his NFL career -- and will undoubtedly have some big contracts in his future. So, yeah ... he can afford a new phone!

Patrick Mahomes might not have to wait for next season to get revenge on Tom Brady ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned the peeps behind "The Match" golf tourney are gunning for a blockbuster TB12 vs. Mahomes event this spring.

Yes ... Super Bowl rematch, links edition.

You know The Match ... Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in the nationally televised, match play-style game in May 2020.

The event raised over $20 million for COVID-19 relief ... and was a smash hit.

Now, event organizers wanna bring back 'The Match' ... and they're targeting Brady and Mahomes.

Well-placed sources tell us event organizers are gunning to book the superstar QBs ... for a match that could take place in late spring 2021.

We're told the event is still in the early planning stages ... however, everyone seems optimistic a deal can be made since it's a fun event, it's for charity and Tom had fun in his previous 'Match.' Remember that insane shot he sank?!

Woods and Mickelson competed in both of the first 2 events. If a Brady vs. Mahomes match can be booked, it's unclear if either of the legendary golfers will play.

On the football field -- going by just record -- the Brady vs. Mahomes matchup has been pretty even.

Brady's 3-2 when facing Patrick ... however TB12 just dominated the young gunslinger in Super Bowl 55.

Andy Reid's son, Britt Reid, is no longer a member of the K.C. Chiefs coaching staff, this just days after he was involved in a car crash that critically injured a 5-year-old.

35-year-old Britt -- who was a linebacker coach with the Chiefs -- was initially placed on leave after Thursday's accident ... and now ESPN reports his contract has since expired and the team did not make an effort to renew it.

In other words, he's out.

As we previously reported, cops say Reid admitted to drinking alcohol and taking Adderall allegedly smashing into 2 parked cars that were pulled over on the side of a highway on-ramp. The crash occurred just minutes from Arrowhead Stadium in K.C.

Two children were injured in the wreck -- including a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old little girl, who suffered brain damage and has not regained consciousness since the accident.

Britt Reid did not travel with the Chiefs to Super Bowl LV in Tampa this past weekend ... though it was clear the incident took a toll on his father in those critical hours before the big game.

After the Chiefs lost to the Bucs, Andy Reid spoke about the accident ... saying, "My heart goes out to all those who were involved in the accident, particularly the family with the little girl who's fighting for her life."

Imagine the greatest quarterback of all-time handing off to one of best running backs ever in 2021 ...

That's a scene Adrian Peterson is trying to make happen for real ... 'cause the future Hall of Fame RB tells TMZ Sports he wants to play with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay in 2021!!!

"That would definitely be something I'm interested in," Peterson says ... explaining "If they want me to be a part of it, I'll be a part of it for sure. Because I'm definitely trying to add a trophy to my resume."

Peterson is slated to be a free agent this offseason after his 1-year contract with the Detroit Lions expires ... and there could be some interest from the Bucs in him.

After all, Bruce Arians did trade for A.P. back in 2017 when he was the Arizona Cardinals' head coach -- and Peterson performed well there in limited playing time.

Now, Peterson tells us he really wouldn't mind running it back with Arians in Tampa ... saying "Playing with Tom Brady, that by itself is enticing."

The two would be a hell of a backfield duo ... Tom at age 43, has 14 Pro Bowl selections, while Peterson, at age 35, has seven.

Also, for as good as Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones were in the Super Bowl ... neither has fully established themselves as Tampa's bell cow, leaving the door wide open for Peterson touches next season.

So, what do ya say, Bruce?!

By the way, in between preparing for the offseason and trying to link up with Tom next year ... Adrian is doing some amazing charity work, putting on an auction to help former NFL player Chester Pitts give back in Houston.

Peterson and his wife, Ashley, are donating gowns, sports memorabilia and so much more to help out Pitts' Carson Parke org. that was put in place by the ex-NFLer to assist underserved and at-risk foster youth.

He told ya he was going to Disney World ... and Rob Gronkowski has already made good on his promise!!

The Tampa Bay Bucs superstar tight end rolled into the Most Magical Place on Earth in Orlando on Monday ... and immediately got into an awesome lightsaber battle!!!

It's all part of Disney's annual Super Bowl celebration -- where they (usually) parade the winners around the theme park just like Tom Brady did in 2002, 2004 and 2019.

There are reports Disney has scrapped the Super Bowl parade this year as part of its COVID protocol -- but Gronk will still get to enjoy the park as a super VIP guest, which is probably super awesome.

Both Gronk and TB12 did the post-game "We're going to Disney World" spot this year after beating the K.C. Chiefs on Sunday ... but Brady is reportedly set to visit the park at a later date.

In the meantime, more theme park snacks for Gronk and his family!!!

Disney World had been shut down for a while due to COVID -- but reopened in July with new safety protocols to keep people safe.

Marty Schottenheimer -- one of the NFL's all-time greatest head coaches -- died on Monday after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's ... his family announced Tuesday.

He was 77 years old.

The coach had fought Alzheimer's since 2014 ... but was moved to a North Carolina hospice facility last month after his family said he was suffering from "complications from his disease."

Schottenheimer's wife, Pat, said at the time, "As a family we are surrounding him with love and are soaking up the prayers and support from all those he impacted through his incredible life."

"In the way he taught us all, we are putting one foot in front of the other ... one play at a time."

Pat and the rest of the Schottenheimer family told ESPN's Chris Mortensen Marty passed on Monday ... adding the former coach will have a private family service soon with a public memorial service at a later date.

Schottenheimer was a head man in the NFL for 21 years ... and is 1 of just 8 men to win at least 200 games in the league as a head coach.

He began his head coaching career with the Cleveland Browns in 1984 -- and later went on to coach Joe Montana and Marcus Allen in Kansas City starting in 1989.

Schottenheimer went on to spend 10 total years with the Chiefs -- piling up a 101-58-1 regular-season record. He took the team to 7 playoff appearances -- and even brought them to the AFC Championship game in 1993, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills.

Marty continued his coaching career with Washington before moving to the San Diego Chargers. He was named Coach of the Year there in 2004, when the team went 12-4 and won the AFC West.

The debate is officially over ... Jerry Rice is giving up the claim he had to the NFL's "Greatest of All-Time" label, admitting that honor now belongs to Tom Brady!!!

The legendary receiver -- who had been considered the league's G.O.A.T. prior to Brady's epic 7 Super Bowl wins -- relented on an appearance on 95.7 The Game on Monday that Tom's formally passed him on the rankings after the Bucs' title win Sunday.

“When you have seven rings, you’re doing something right," Jerry said, before adding, "He can have that G.O.A.T. status. I never wanted that status anyhow."

Of course, Rice didn't give away the title without taking at least a little jab ... Jerry said Tom's had the ability to pad his resume in a way he never could because of new player safety rules.

"I don’t have seven Super Bowl rings," Rice said, "but I think I played in an era when football was more of a contact sport. You’re seeing a lot of that now -- players are protected."

In case you were wondering, Jerry's old claim to the "G.O.A.T." label was warranted ... he was a 3-time Super Bowl champ, 1-time SB MVP, 13-time Pro Bowler and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Jerry also holds nearly every receiving record ever ... including an all-time receiving yards mark of 22,895 -- which is more than 5,000 (!!!) ahead of second-place Larry Fitzgerald!

But, Tom's got the 7 rings, 3 NFL MVP awards and 14 Pro Bowl honors ... and he still ain't done yet!!

In fact, Jerry said he wouldn't be surprised to see Brady keep going for TWO more years ... explaining, "I think he can do it now in this league because players are so much more protected."

Tampa Bay Bucs head coach Bruce Arians says COVID disrupted things so badly during the 2020 season ... his own wife didn't meet his QB until Super Bowl Sunday!

"You know what's amazing? My wife met Tom Brady for the first time on stage when we were handed the Lombardi trophy," Arians said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

"And that's the way our whole team and coaching staff was this year," he added.

Arians says the team usually holds a Family Day on Saturday for players and staff to bring their kids, parents, siblings, etc. to hang out together ... but the pandemic put a stop to that.

"We really really missed that this year," Arians explained.

The good news ... seems Bruce's wife and Tom Brady got along when they finally did get to meet. She even commented to Bruce about TB12's insanely good looks.

"She said he needs to keep the 5 O'clock shadow -- he's too pretty the other way!"

There's more ... Arians also talked about boozing at the after-party, getting hit with the Gatorade bath and why he's giving himself until Wednesday to sober up!